I have always thought of love in the abstract, never something to come true. My past has shown me time after time that those who are supposed to love you will only lead you to disappointment. Destiny, fate, chance...those are things that I never believed in.

Until him.

A chance encounter with a distinct pair of blue eyes and a heart-melting smile challenges my knowledge of life and love.

Because there's something about this stranger that has me believing in the possibility of more...

My eyes fall on his full lips. Lips I want to taste for myself and to have them touch my skin again, in any way, shape or form.

Now’s my chance.

I lean forward, closing the distance between us and press my lips to his. It’s impulsive. It’s not something I would do, but there is no denying I want to do it, I need to do it.

I’m kissing a stranger. And I like it.

His lips are soft and sweet, the residual wine still faintly present on them. Slowly my lips move against his, careful not to push it further than I’m prepared for at the moment. Instinct takes over and I move closer to him, seeking his warmth and comfort, knowing it’s him my body craves. The blood rushes through my ears as the world drifts off into nothingness around us. It’s hands down the most perfect goodbye kiss I’ve ever experienced in my life.

Reluctantly I pull back, missing the contact instantly. He reaches up and cups my cheek, pressing his forehead against mine. Our noses touch. His breath is warm against my lips. I feel something pass between us, something pulling me further into him, telling me that I need to be with him. I know he feels it too because his free hand rests on my lower back, pulling me closer to him. I grab the lapels of his coat as I close my eyes and regain my composure.

“You feel it, don’t you,” he says, breaking the silence. It isn’t a question, so much, as it is a statement of fact.

The world restarts around us, the noise coming back into my senses, reminding me we’re standing on the street in a very public display of affection. Embarrassment sets in as I risk the glance into his eyes, knowing full well that I’m helpless to resist him.

I nod my head and pull away slowly, needing to put some space between us so I can regain my thoughts.

“Goodnight, Andrew.”

His fingers drag slowly across my lower back as I turn toward my car. Risking a glance over my shoulder, I can’t help the smile that appears when I see him place his hands in his pockets. A satisfied smile beams back at me as I disappear into the back of the car, sliding next to Kara.

Jodie Larson is a wife and mother to four beautiful girls, making their home in northern Minnesota along the shore of Lake Superior. When she isn’t running around to various activities or working her regular job, you can find her sitting in her favorite spot reading her new favorite book or camped out somewhere quiet trying to write her next manuscript. She’s addicted to reading (just ask her kids or husband) and loves talking books even more with her friends. She’s also a lover of all things romance and happily ever afters, whether in movies or in books, as shown in her extensive collection of both.